Martin Kaymer, the former world No.1 golfer, may have just competed in his final US Open tournament after finishing with a three-over score in his final round at Pinehurst No.2. His 13-over total for the tournament consisted of rounds of 70, 73, 77, and 73. Kaymer, a former US Open champion who won the title in 2014 at Pinehurst, qualified for this year’s event due to his past victory. However, the US Open only grants its winners a 10-year exemption, which means that this year marked his final free entry into the Major championship.
Looking ahead, if Kaymer wishes to participate in and potentially win another US Open in the future, he will need to qualify through traditional means. Despite joining LIV Golf in 2022, his performance has not matched his earlier success when he claimed victories at the Players Championship and the US Open in 2014. The 39-year-old German has not won an event in the past ten years and faced challenges in LIV tournaments, finishing 49th out of 50 players in the previous season. Additionally, he has contended with various injuries in recent years.
Not only is Kaymer’s future at the US Open uncertain, but his participation in other Major championships is also in question. LIV Golf events do not earn world ranking points, leading to Kaymer’s current rank of 1617th, a stark contrast from his former No.1 ranking in 2011. His absence from the Masters since 2019 and his struggles at the Open Championship in 2021, where he missed the cut, raise doubts about his future appearances at these prestigious tournaments.
Despite these uncertainties, Kaymer will always have the option to compete in the PGA Championship as a former champion. Winners of the PGA Championship receive a lifetime exemption into the tournament. Kaymer secured victory at the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, triumphing over Bubba Watson in a playoff.
As Kaymer navigates the next phase of his golfing career, the golfing community will be watching to see if he can recapture his past glory and potentially make a comeback in future tournaments. While his recent performances have been challenging, his experience and talent may pave the way for a resurgence in the competitive golfing world. Fans of the sport can stay informed about Kaymer’s journey and other golf news by subscribing to the Golf Monthly newsletter, which provides the latest updates, equipment reviews, head-to-head comparisons, and expert insights from a seasoned team of professionals.